Seattle council OKs drug use, prostitution laws over experts' objections

Last edited Wed Sep 18, 2024, 09:50 PM - Edit history (1)

The Seattle City Council on Tuesday evening passed a pair of contentious bills that seek to disrupt entrenched drug and prostitution markets with new "stay out" zones.

Critics again told council members the laws won't work and will make matters worse by excluding drug users and sex workers from areas where they live and access social and health services. They reminded them that the previous council repealed similar laws four years ago because they not only did not work but disproportionately affected women who are members of minority groups or the LGBTQ+ community.

Former sex workers who work for anti-trafficking groups testified in favor, as did North Seattle residents and others weary of disruptive criminal activity, and students being solicited by pimps and johns on their way to and from school.

If signed by Mayor Bruce Harrell, the bills would go into effect in 30 days. The mayor's office has not yet responded to Business Journal requests for comment.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2024/09/18/seattle-council-passes-drug-prostitution-laws.html